While Gretzky doesn’t take credit, he’s very pleased that hockey has found a foothold in non-traditional markets, noting 120 high school hockey teams in southern California alone.

“It’s been wonderful,” the Brantford, Ontario, native said. “I always tell people, (there are) a lot of great Canadian athletes and great Canadian players, but watch out, because over the next 20 years, kids from Carolina, Florida, California and Texas, a lot of great athletes are going to become great NHL players.”

“It’s our sport; we started the sport of hockey. We’re very proud of our game, fortunate enough to win another Olympic gold. The Americans are coming on. A lot of great young players, great young athletes, and it’s only going to be a matter of time before you get more great Americans playing in the National Hockey League.”

Gretzky is in Greenville this week playing in the BMW Charity Pro-Am, which began Thursday at three area courses. Playing with professional partner and fellow Canadian Adam Hadwin, Gretzky had an excellent first round at Green Valley Country Club, combining to shoot 10 under par and place among the leaders following day 1. Gretzky’s wife, Janet, and son, Ty, are also playing in the event.

“It’s a great event that as a family we can really go enjoy - the hospitality, the dinners at night, the people,” he said. “I always encourage my friends, if you get a chance to go to the BMW in Greenville, do it – you’re going to have the greatest time.”

Following a 21-year NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, Gretzky purchased a 10-percent share in the Phoenix Coyotes, which he held until resigning as head coach and general manager in 2009.

Now, he spends his time as a private businessman, which has helped burnish his golf skills.

Thursday, Gretzky was affable, signing autographs for fans between holes and puffing a sizable cigar between shots.

Greenville native and South Carolina alum Kyle Thompson, who was also in Gretzky’s group, said he “plays really good and plays a lot of good shots.”

Comedian Bill Engvall, who played in a group with actor John O’Hurley, called the BMW a “bucket list” event for “great causes.”

“I love the Web.com Tour,” Engvall said. “You get to see the guys who are really trying to get it going, and it’s just a blast. The courses are great. I didn’t think we’d get 18 in today (due to delays), but we did. It’s all good if I can keep my legs underneath me. I’m not used to walking so much.”

Engvall, who’s competed on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” said he’s a better dancer than golfer, joking that comedy helps him deal with golf.

“With my golf game,” he said, “you’ve got to be able to laugh.

“It’s one of those things, I have to remind myself that I’m not doing this for a living. Thank God, or my family wouldn’t be eating. There’d be this call every Thursday or Friday, ‘I didn’t make the cut, I’m going to the next tournament.’”